President-elect Joe Biden's top advisors on Sunday outlined his plans for his&nbsp;inauguration along with the nation's multiple crises while balancing the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

With war-zone-like security, no crowds, and coronavirus distancing for guests, Joe Biden's swearing-in as the 46th US president will be a muted affair, unlike any previous inauguration.

Tens of thousands of security personnel from the National Guard and law enforcement agencies have descended upon Washington, D.C., to bolster security ahead of Biden's inauguration ceremony.

Preparing for violence

The nationwide security uptick followed the attack on the US&nbsp;Capitol in Washington by a mix of extremists and Trump supporters, some of whom called for the death of Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the certification of Democrat Joe&nbsp;Biden's election victory.

The FBI and other federal agencies have warned of the potential for future violence leading up to&nbsp;Biden's inauguration on Wednesday, as white supremacists and other extremists seek to exploit frustration among Trump supporters who have bought into his falsehoods about electoral fraud.

Security officials had eyed Sunday as the first major flashpoint, as that is when the anti-government "boogaloo" movement made plans weeks ago to hold rallies in all 50 states. But by late Sunday afternoon, only handfuls of demonstrators had taken to the streets alongside much larger crowds of law enforcement officers and media personnel.

As the president-elect prepares to take power in a city where only two weeks earlier Trump supporters launched a violent attempt to overturn the election, Biden faces overlapping crises: not only the pandemic but a struggling economy, climate change, and racial tensions.

Biden wants Congress to act quickly on a massive, $1.9-trillion&nbsp;stimulus package to revive the economy, and he plans a blitz to accelerate America's stumbling Covid vaccine rollout.

His target of seeing 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine injected within his first 100 days in office is "absolutely" achievable, top US scientist Anthony Fauci told NBC on Sunday.

Shadow of uncertainty

But the coming Senate impeachment trial,&nbsp;an unprecedented second for Trump,&nbsp;casts a shadow over Biden's path forward.

Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have yet to say when the trial will begin.&nbsp;

Biden has said he hopes Congress can deal with that stark distraction even while advancing his aggressive agenda.

Adding to the uncertainty is a badly riven Republican Party, divided over Trump's false assertions that he won November's election, his&nbsp;fanning of emotions ahead of the deadly Capitol invasion, and on the future direction of the party.

A muted celebration

Plans for the inauguration,&nbsp;in normal times a bracing, even joyous, tribute to a peaceful transition,&nbsp;had already been scaled-down out of pandemic concerns. Fears of new violence by unyielding Trump supporters after the January 6 riot have cast a further pall.

"This will be an inaugural like no other, in large part because of Covid," Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS.&nbsp;

"But we are going to get sworn in. And we're going to do the job we were hired to do."

President-elect Joe Biden's top advisors on Sunday outlined his plans for his inauguration along with the nation's multiple crises while balancing the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

President-elect Joe Biden's top advisors on Sunday outlined his plans for his inauguration along with the nation's multiple crises while balancing the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. With war-zone-like security, no crowds, and coronavirus distancing for guests, Joe Biden's swearing-in as the 46th US president will be a muted affair, unlike any previous inauguration. Tens of thousands of security personnel from the National Guard and law enforcement agencies have descended upon Washington, D.C., to bolster security ahead of Biden's inauguration ceremony. Preparing for violence The nationwide security uptick followed the attack on the US Capitol in Washington by a mix of extremists and Trump supporters, some of whom called for the death of Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory. The FBI and other federal agencies have warned of the potential for future violence leading up to Biden's inauguration on Wednesday, as white supremacists and other extremists seek to exploit frustration among Trump supporters who have bought into his falsehoods about electoral fraud. Security officials had eyed Sunday as the first major flashpoint, as that is when the anti-government "boogaloo" movement made plans weeks ago to hold rallies in all 50 states. But by late Sunday afternoon, only handfuls of demonstrators had taken to the streets alongside much larger crowds of law enforcement officers and media personnel. As the president-elect prepares to take power in a city where only two weeks earlier Trump supporters launched a violent attempt to overturn the election, Biden faces overlapping crises: not only the pandemic but a struggling economy, climate change, and racial tensions. Biden wants Congress to act quickly on a massive, $1.9-trillion stimulus package to revive the economy, and he plans a blitz to accelerate America's stumbling Covid vaccine rollout. His target of seeing 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine injected within his first 100 days in office is "absolutely" achievable, top US scientist Anthony Fauci told NBC on Sunday. Shadow of uncertainty But the coming Senate impeachment trial, an unprecedented second for Trump, casts a shadow over Biden's path forward. Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have yet to say when the trial will begin. Biden has said he hopes Congress can deal with that stark distraction even while advancing his aggressive agenda. Adding to the uncertainty is a badly riven Republican Party, divided over Trump's false assertions that he won November's election, his fanning of emotions ahead of the deadly Capitol invasion, and on the future direction of the party. A muted celebration Plans for the inauguration, in normal times a bracing, even joyous, tribute to a peaceful transition, had already been scaled-down out of pandemic concerns. Fears of new violence by unyielding Trump supporters after the January 6 riot have cast a further pall. "This will be an inaugural like no other, in large part because of Covid," Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS. "But we are going to get sworn in. And we're going to do the job we were hired to do."

President-elect Joe Biden's team lays out inauguration plans as Trump impeachment looms

Donald Trump became the first American head of state to be impeached twice. The House of Representatives voted 232-197 on the proposal to oust him.

Donald Trump is the first President to be impeached twice | WION-VOA Co-production

Outgoing President of the United States Donald Trump gets impeached again. 10 U.S. house republicans have declared to support the impeachment after a violent mob attack at the Capitol Hill last week.

U.S : Can Prez Donald Trump be disqualified if not convicted? 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice. &nbsp;Former US presidents Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton were impeached during their time. But what does Trump's impeachment mean? Will he be forced to leave the Oval Office immediately? Let's check this thing.

The process

When US House of Representatives impeaches&nbsp;the president, the impeachment article is sent to US Senate. It is here that the actual trial of the president takes place. The US Senate is tasked with finding the president guilty - or otherwise- of the charges levelled against him.&nbsp;

Once the impeachment article is sent to US Senate, it becomes its top priority when it reconvenes. In the present case, the words 'when it reconvenes' hold the sway as US Senate is in recess. It will only reconvene on January 19, just a day before Joe Biden is to be inaugurated.

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&nbsp;

US House of Representatives (the one that impeached Trump) is controlled by Democratic Party while Republicans have control over US Senate right now. Republican Party's Majority Leader in Senate Mitch McConnell has already rejected Democratic Party's demand to reconvene immediately.

This means that the Senate is most likely to tackle the issue of impeachment only after Biden takes&nbsp;office. This may lead to several situations.

There is a difference of opinion among legal scholars about whether Senate can process impeachment of a president who is out of office. Some say it can't be done while others assert it is possible. However, Trump may have legal options with which he can attempt to get involved or potentially even stop the proceedings using loopholes and interpretation of the law.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/along-with-trump-impeachment-biden-urges-us-senate-to-consider-other-urgent-business-356546">Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'</a>

And after all this, if it comes to the final stages in Senate, it will need affirmation of 67 out of 100 Senators for the house to declare Trump guilty. Even after wins in Georgia, Democratic Party holds a wafer-thin majority in Senate.

There is always the possibility of Republican Senators breaking party lines to vote in favour of impeachment as some Republican members in House of Representatives did, it appears a long game as of now.

However, in any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice.

All in all, it appears unlikely at the moment that impeachment proceedings would force Trump to leave office before his term ends.

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice.

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice. Former US presidents Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton were impeached during their time. But what does Trump's impeachment mean? Will he be forced to leave the Oval Office immediately? Let's check this thing. The process When US House of Representatives impeaches the president, the impeachment article is sent to US Senate. It is here that the actual trial of the president takes place. The US Senate is tasked with finding the president guilty - or otherwise- of the charges levelled against him. Once the impeachment article is sent to US Senate, it becomes its top priority when it reconvenes. In the present case, the words 'when it reconvenes' hold the sway as US Senate is in recess. It will only reconvene on January 19, just a day before Joe Biden is to be inaugurated. × US House of Representatives (the one that impeached Trump) is controlled by Democratic Party while Republicans have control over US Senate right now. Republican Party's Majority Leader in Senate Mitch McConnell has already rejected Democratic Party's demand to reconvene immediately. This means that the Senate is most likely to tackle the issue of impeachment only after Biden takes office. This may lead to several situations. There is a difference of opinion among legal scholars about whether Senate can process impeachment of a president who is out of office. Some say it can't be done while others assert it is possible. However, Trump may have legal options with which he can attempt to get involved or potentially even stop the proceedings using loopholes and interpretation of the law. Also Read | Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business' And after all this, if it comes to the final stages in Senate, it will need affirmation of 67 out of 100 Senators for the house to declare Trump guilty. Even after wins in Georgia, Democratic Party holds a wafer-thin majority in Senate. There is always the possibility of Republican Senators breaking party lines to vote in favour of impeachment as some Republican members in House of Representatives did, it appears a long game as of now. However, in any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice. All in all, it appears unlikely at the moment that impeachment proceedings would force Trump to leave office before his term ends.

Trump impeachment: What happens next? Will he leave office immediately?

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered. The House had previously impeached Trump in 2019 for abuse of power. No US President has ever been removed through impeachment but such proceedings carry huge political weight and suffering impeachment twice definitely does not go down well with position any US President

What happens now?

US House of Representatives will submit the article of impeachment to US Senate. If the Senate accepts and holds Trump guilty after a trial, he may have to leave the office. Republican Party controls the Senate right now.

The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, rejected Democratic calls for a quick impeachment trial, saying there was no way to conclude it before Trump leaves office. But even if he has left the White House, a Senate conviction of Trump could lead to a vote on banning him from running for office again.

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&nbsp;

In a video statement released after the vote, Trump did not mention the impeachment vote and took no responsibility for his remarks to supporters last week, but condemned the violence.

"Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law and order," Trump said.

The impeachment debate

The debate over impeachment went on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as thousands of rifle-carrying National Guard troops were stationed inside and outside the Capitol. It's the same building in which lawmakers had to crouch and hide as thousands of Trump supporters laid siege on January 6.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/along-with-trump-impeachment-biden-urges-us-senate-to-consider-other-urgent-business-356546">Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'</a>

"The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said on the House floor before the vote. "He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love."

Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called Trump "the most dangerous man to ever occupy the Oval Office." Congresswoman Maxine Waters accused Trump of wanting civil war and fellow Democrat Jim McGovern said the president "instigated an attempted coup."

Some Republicans argued the impeachment drive was a rush to judgment that bypassed the customary deliberative process such as hearings and called on Democrats to abandon the effort for the sake of national unity and healing.

"Impeaching the president in such a short time frame would be a mistake," said Kevin McCarthy, the House's top Republican. "That doesn't mean the president is free from fault. The president bears responsibility for Wednesday's attack on Congress by mob rioters."

Trump's closest allies, such as Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, went further, accusing Democrats of recklessly acting out of pure political interest.

"This is about getting the president of the United States," said Jordan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in a private White House ceremony this week. "It's always been about getting the president, no matter what. It's an obsession."

Ten Republicans voted to impeach, including Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican.

"I am not choosing a side, I'm choosing truth," Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler said in announcing her support for impeachment, drawing applause from Democrats. "It's the only way to defeat fear."

In a break from standard procedure, Republican House leaders refrained from urging their members to vote against impeachment, calling the vote a matter of individual conscience.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered. The House had previously impeached Trump in 2019 for abuse of power. No US President has ever been removed through impeachment but such proceedings carry huge political weight and suffering impeachment twice definitely does not go down well with position any US President What happens now? US House of Representatives will submit the article of impeachment to US Senate. If the Senate accepts and holds Trump guilty after a trial, he may have to leave the office. Republican Party controls the Senate right now. The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, rejected Democratic calls for a quick impeachment trial, saying there was no way to conclude it before Trump leaves office. But even if he has left the White House, a Senate conviction of Trump could lead to a vote on banning him from running for office again. × In a video statement released after the vote, Trump did not mention the impeachment vote and took no responsibility for his remarks to supporters last week, but condemned the violence. "Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law and order," Trump said. The impeachment debate The debate over impeachment went on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as thousands of rifle-carrying National Guard troops were stationed inside and outside the Capitol. It's the same building in which lawmakers had to crouch and hide as thousands of Trump supporters laid siege on January 6. Also Read | Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business' "The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said on the House floor before the vote. "He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love." Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called Trump "the most dangerous man to ever occupy the Oval Office." Congresswoman Maxine Waters accused Trump of wanting civil war and fellow Democrat Jim McGovern said the president "instigated an attempted coup." Some Republicans argued the impeachment drive was a rush to judgment that bypassed the customary deliberative process such as hearings and called on Democrats to abandon the effort for the sake of national unity and healing. "Impeaching the president in such a short time frame would be a mistake," said Kevin McCarthy, the House's top Republican. "That doesn't mean the president is free from fault. The president bears responsibility for Wednesday's attack on Congress by mob rioters." Trump's closest allies, such as Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, went further, accusing Democrats of recklessly acting out of pure political interest. "This is about getting the president of the United States," said Jordan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in a private White House ceremony this week. "It's always been about getting the president, no matter what. It's an obsession." Ten Republicans voted to impeach, including Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican. "I am not choosing a side, I'm choosing truth," Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler said in announcing her support for impeachment, drawing applause from Democrats. "It's the only way to defeat fear." In a break from standard procedure, Republican House leaders refrained from urging their members to vote against impeachment, calling the vote a matter of individual conscience. (With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business". US House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump on Thursday (Indian time) making him the only president to suffer impeachment twice.

“This nation also remains in the grip of a deadly virus and a reeling economy,” said Biden in his statement “I hope that the Senate leadership will find a way to deal with their Constitutional responsibilities on impeachment while also working on the other urgent business of this nation.”&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

While he said that violence at Capitol Hill was incited by Trump, Biden drew attention to other pressing matters US faced.

“From confirmations to key posts such as Secretaries for Homeland Security, State, Defense, Treasury, and Director of National Intelligence, to getting our vaccine program on track, and to getting our economy going again. Too many of our fellow Americans have suffered for too long over the past year to delay this urgent work,” said Biden in a statement. He was quoted by CNN.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-impeached-again-becomes-first-us-president-to-suffer-impeachment-twice-356536">Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice</a>

Biden has previously indicated his unwillingness to go out all guns blazing on Trump's removal from Oval Office via impeachment. Recently, Biden said that it was up to US Congress to decide for or against Trump's removal from office before his term comes to an end.

Political experts have been quoted in various news reports saying that it was unlikely of Biden to spend his political capital to lobby US Senate for Trump's removal especially as the Senate will be due to clear Biden's nominees on important posts in his cabinet.

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business".

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business". US House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump on Thursday (Indian time) making him the only president to suffer impeachment twice. “This nation also remains in the grip of a deadly virus and a reeling economy,” said Biden in his statement “I hope that the Senate leadership will find a way to deal with their Constitutional responsibilities on impeachment while also working on the other urgent business of this nation.” × While he said that violence at Capitol Hill was incited by Trump, Biden drew attention to other pressing matters US faced. “From confirmations to key posts such as Secretaries for Homeland Security, State, Defense, Treasury, and Director of National Intelligence, to getting our vaccine program on track, and to getting our economy going again. Too many of our fellow Americans have suffered for too long over the past year to delay this urgent work,” said Biden in a statement. He was quoted by CNN. Also Read | Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice Biden has previously indicated his unwillingness to go out all guns blazing on Trump's removal from Oval Office via impeachment. Recently, Biden said that it was up to US Congress to decide for or against Trump's removal from office before his term comes to an end. Political experts have been quoted in various news reports saying that it was unlikely of Biden to spend his political capital to lobby US Senate for Trump's removal especially as the Senate will be due to clear Biden's nominees on important posts in his cabinet.

Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'

U.S.: Can Donald Trump be barred from future office? What lies ahead of the impeachment

Outgoing President of the United States Donald Trump gets impeached again. 4 U.S. house republicans have declared to support the impeachment after a violent mob attack at the Capitol Hill last week.

U.S. House impeaches outgoing President Donald Trump once again

Democrats could also use an impeachment trial to push through a vote blocking Trump from running for office again.

WION Fineprint: Is the republican party ditching Trumpism?

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during an an address said that President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-rejects-invoking-25th-amendment-to-oust-trump-356339">Trump</a> tried to "incite an insurrection" referring to the Capitol Hill violence on January 6 as she named managers for the impeachment process.

Watch:

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“The facts are very clear – the president called for this seditious attack," Pelosi told the US House, adding, "he participated in a rally to encourage the riot."

"President's actions demonstrate his absolute inability discharge the most basic and fundamental powers and duties of his office. Therefore the president must be removed from office immediately," the US House Speaker asserted.

"Who knows what he might do next," she said, describing the President as being "unhinged."&nbsp;

Earlier, US vice-president Mike Pence rejected calls to invoke the 25th Amendment process to oust President Trump.

"With just eight days left in the President's term, you and the Democratic Caucus are demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment," Pence wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our nation or consistent with our Constitution," the US vice-president said.

The impeachment process comes after the US Capitol was rocked by violence last week as Pence, Pelosi and other lawmakers were forced to take shelter as protesters stormed the building.

Five people died during the unrest including a US Capitol Police officer.

Pelosi has said Pence's failure to trigger that process would lead to a Trump impeachment vote on Wednesday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during an an address said that President Trump tried to "incite an insurrection" referring to the Capitol Hill violence on January 6 as she named managers for the impeachment process.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during an an address said that President Trump tried to "incite an insurrection" referring to the Capitol Hill violence on January 6 as she named managers for the impeachment process. Watch: “The facts are very clear – the president called for this seditious attack," Pelosi told the US House, adding, "he participated in a rally to encourage the riot." "President's actions demonstrate his absolute inability discharge the most basic and fundamental powers and duties of his office. Therefore the president must be removed from office immediately," the US House Speaker asserted. "Who knows what he might do next," she said, describing the President as being "unhinged." Earlier, US vice-president Mike Pence rejected calls to invoke the 25th Amendment process to oust President Trump. "With just eight days left in the President's term, you and the Democratic Caucus are demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment," Pence wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our nation or consistent with our Constitution," the US vice-president said. The impeachment process comes after the US Capitol was rocked by violence last week as Pence, Pelosi and other lawmakers were forced to take shelter as protesters stormed the building. Five people died during the unrest including a US Capitol Police officer. Pelosi has said Pence's failure to trigger that process would lead to a Trump impeachment vote on Wednesday.

President must be removed from office immediately: Nancy Pelosi tells US House

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has named impeachment managers ahead of the vote to impeach Trump. The team includes three women, Rep Jamie Raskin will be the lead manager.

Breaking News: US Speaker Nancy Pelosi names impeachment managers

US Democrats are preparing to impeach outgoing President Donald Trump after the violence at Capitol Hill last week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will move a resolution to impeach the current US president.

Meanwhile, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to surge in Europe, several governments including France, Germany and Spain have ramped up their vaccination drive in a bit to contain the virus amid growing criticism over the slow pace of inoculation.

In North Korea, Kim Jong-Un has assumed the title of "general secretary" a title held by his late father in a move widely seen to bolster his authority. The KCNA news agency said that the move received "stormy applause" during the congress on Sunday.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-democrats-plan-vote-on-monday-for-removing-trump-over-capitol-riots-355859">US House Democrats plan vote on Monday for removing Trump over Capitol riots</a>

<img alt="Trump-Pelosi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef62c280-205b-4665-90ec-afa0d517f250" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TrumpP_0.jpg" />

Five people had died in the rampage through the seat of government by Trump's backers after a fiery speech denouncing the November 3 election results by the Republican president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-ramps-up-vaccination-drive-amid-surge-in-cases-355858">Europe ramps up vaccination drive amid surge in cases</a> 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Coronavirus in London" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0b47970-0161-48f4-ae83-8d9612dcd063" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/London1.jpg" />

Britain has been vaccinating 200,000 people per day as German Chancellor&nbsp;Angela Merkel&nbsp;warned that "the coming weeks will be the hardest phase of the pandemic".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-move-to-bolster-authority-north-korea-leader-kim-jong-un-assumes-late-fathers-title-355867">In move to bolster authority, Kim Jong-Un assumes late father's title</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-move-to-bolster-authority-north-korea-leader-kim-jong-un-assumes-late-fathers-title-355867"><img alt="Kim Jong-un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b0cc446-04a1-43ca-a095-0439980f5585" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/KIM1.jpg" /></a>

North Korea's state media said that the &nbsp;Workers' Party had adopted a resolution to elect its leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-pledges-to-strengthen-defence-capabilities-at-rare-party-congress-354970">Kim Jong-Un&nbsp;</a>as "general secretary"

Watch:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/josef-stalin-themed-moscow-doner-shop-faces-backlash-355868">Josef Stalin themed Moscow Doner shop faces backlash</a>

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US Democrats are preparing to impeach outgoing President Donald Trump after the violence at Capitol Hill last week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will move a resolution to impeach the current US president.

US Democrats are preparing to impeach outgoing President Donald Trump after the violence at Capitol Hill last week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will move a resolution to impeach the current US president. Meanwhile, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to surge in Europe, several governments including France, Germany and Spain have ramped up their vaccination drive in a bit to contain the virus amid growing criticism over the slow pace of inoculation. In North Korea, Kim Jong-Un has assumed the title of "general secretary" a title held by his late father in a move widely seen to bolster his authority. The KCNA news agency said that the move received "stormy applause" during the congress on Sunday. Click on headlines to read more US House Democrats plan vote on Monday for removing Trump over Capitol riots Five people had died in the rampage through the seat of government by Trump's backers after a fiery speech denouncing the November 3 election results by the Republican president. Europe ramps up vaccination drive amid surge in cases Britain has been vaccinating 200,000 people per day as German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that "the coming weeks will be the hardest phase of the pandemic". In move to bolster authority, Kim Jong-Un assumes late father's title North Korea's state media said that the Workers' Party had adopted a resolution to elect its leader Kim Jong-Un as "general secretary" Watch: Josef Stalin themed Moscow Doner shop faces backlash Watch:

Morning news brief: Trump impeachment, coronavirus vaccination in Europe & more

US President Donald Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani to defend him against possible impeachment over his role in last week’s violent siege of the Capitol.

Giuliani has been an outspoken Trump supporter since his first run for president. He became a personal lawyer for him during the Mueller probe, which found that Trump impeded the investigation but stopped short of concluding he had committed a crime.

Giuliani's own pressure on Ukraine helped lead to Trump's impeachment trial last year and he also played a role in events leading to the violence at the Capitol, which led to the deaths of five people, including a police officer.

Democratic members of the House of Representatives are expected to introduce articles of impeachment this week, accusing Trump of inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol last Wednesday.

According to a report in Reuters, Giuliani is expected to play a lead role in case a impeachment process is kicked in.&nbsp;

He had led the legal team that tried unsuccessfully to overturn Trump's election defeat. It failed to produce any evidence of significant fraud and lost dozens of court cases in key battleground states and at the Supreme Court before President-elect Joe Biden's victory was confirmed.

Giuliani's own reputation was battered during the often chaotic legal campaign. In one news conference, brown dye dripped down his face as he laid out false claims of election fraud, and he was ridiculed for another event held in the parking lot of a Pennsylvania landscaping company next to a sex shop.

If the House votes to impeach Trump, he would then face a trial in the Senate. While a House vote could come quickly, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has suggested that there would be no Senate trial until after Trump leaves office.

Lawmakers might wait to send the impeachment article to the US Senate for a trial to give Congress time to approve Biden’s Cabinet nominees and other agenda items.

Trump's choice of lawyers to defend him may, however, be limited.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone helped lead the defence team during an impeachment trial last year, when Trump was accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine's government to announce investigations to discredit Biden, his Democratic political rival.

But Cipollone considered resigning last week after the siege at the Capitol, according to a source, and he and other White House lawyers will be out of their jobs anyway when Trump leaves office on January 20.

Longtime personal lawyers for Trump such as Jay Sekulow are not expected to defend the president, the Reuters report added.

(with inputs from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani to defend him against possible impeachment over his role in last week’s violent siege of the Capitol. Giuliani has been an outspoken Trump supporter since his first run for president.

US President Donald Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani to defend him against possible impeachment over his role in last week’s violent siege of the Capitol. Giuliani has been an outspoken Trump supporter since his first run for president. He became a personal lawyer for him during the Mueller probe, which found that Trump impeded the investigation but stopped short of concluding he had committed a crime. Giuliani's own pressure on Ukraine helped lead to Trump's impeachment trial last year and he also played a role in events leading to the violence at the Capitol, which led to the deaths of five people, including a police officer. Democratic members of the House of Representatives are expected to introduce articles of impeachment this week, accusing Trump of inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol last Wednesday. According to a report in Reuters, Giuliani is expected to play a lead role in case a impeachment process is kicked in. He had led the legal team that tried unsuccessfully to overturn Trump's election defeat. It failed to produce any evidence of significant fraud and lost dozens of court cases in key battleground states and at the Supreme Court before President-elect Joe Biden's victory was confirmed. Giuliani's own reputation was battered during the often chaotic legal campaign. In one news conference, brown dye dripped down his face as he laid out false claims of election fraud, and he was ridiculed for another event held in the parking lot of a Pennsylvania landscaping company next to a sex shop. If the House votes to impeach Trump, he would then face a trial in the Senate. While a House vote could come quickly, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has suggested that there would be no Senate trial until after Trump leaves office. Lawmakers might wait to send the impeachment article to the US Senate for a trial to give Congress time to approve Biden’s Cabinet nominees and other agenda items. Trump's choice of lawyers to defend him may, however, be limited. White House counsel Pat Cipollone helped lead the defence team during an impeachment trial last year, when Trump was accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine's government to announce investigations to discredit Biden, his Democratic political rival. But Cipollone considered resigning last week after the siege at the Capitol, according to a source, and he and other White House lawyers will be out of their jobs anyway when Trump leaves office on January 20. Longtime personal lawyers for Trump such as Jay Sekulow are not expected to defend the president, the Reuters report added. (with inputs from Reuters)

Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani again to defend him in case he is impeached

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday pushes to begin the impeachment process of President Donald Trump. Pelosi made the announcement in a letter to colleagues, saying the House will first vote to push Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the powers of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office

U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi says ready to start impeachment against Donald Trump

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said he had believed for a long time that President Donald Trump was not fit for office, but it was up to Congress to decide on a second impeachment of the Republican president after Wednesday's storming of the Capitol.

Biden says Trump is unfit, but impeachment is for Congress to decide

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday. His attorney said he was subjected to a campaign of "bullying, intimidation and retaliation."

Vindman was up for promotion to full colonel. He was fired from his position on the National Security Council at the White House in February, two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate.

LTC Vindman's patriotism has cost him his career, the attorney said.

"Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the president of the United States attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Between honoring his oath or protecting his career. These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it," he added.

Vindman was present during the July 25, 2019 phone call during which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-off-funding-to-us-schools-if-they-dont-reopen-by-november-311787">Also read |&nbsp;Trump threatens to cut off funding to US schools if they don't reopen by November</a>

Subpoenaed by Congress to testify at the House impeachment hearings, the Ukrainian-born Vindman, who received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq, said Trump's actions were "improper."

That testimony helped build the case leading to Trump becoming only the third president ever impeached by Congress.

John Bolton, who served as Trump's National Security Advisor when Vindman was at the White House, told MSNBC television that his performance had been "exceptional."

Vindman's twin brother, a lawyer on the National Security Council, was not called to publically testify but was also forced out of his White House position in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-intelligence-official-who-had-key-impeachment-role-290551">Also read |&nbsp;Trump fires intelligence official who had key impeachment role</a>

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday. His attorney said he was subjected to a campaign of "bullying, intimidation and retaliation." Vindman was up for promotion to full colonel. He was fired from his position on the National Security Council at the White House in February, two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate. LTC Vindman's patriotism has cost him his career, the attorney said. "Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the president of the United States attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Between honoring his oath or protecting his career. These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it," he added. Vindman was present during the July 25, 2019 phone call during which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Biden. Also read | Trump threatens to cut off funding to US schools if they don't reopen by November Subpoenaed by Congress to testify at the House impeachment hearings, the Ukrainian-born Vindman, who received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq, said Trump's actions were "improper." That testimony helped build the case leading to Trump becoming only the third president ever impeached by Congress. John Bolton, who served as Trump's National Security Advisor when Vindman was at the White House, told MSNBC television that his performance had been "exceptional." Vindman's twin brother, a lawyer on the National Security Council, was not called to publically testify but was also forced out of his White House position in February. Also read | Trump fires intelligence official who had key impeachment role

Key impeachment witness quits army. Is Trump's bullying the reason?

President Donald Trump announced Friday he was firing a senior intelligence official who had a central role in the complaint last August that sparked the impeachment trial of the US leader.

In a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trump said he had lost confidence in Michael Atkinson, the independent inspector general of the broad US intelligence community.

Atkinson reviewed and transmitted an anonymous whistle-blower's complaint in August that alleged that Trump had sought personal political favours from Ukraine in violation of US law.

The complaint became the basis for Trump's impeachment, which saw him put through a historic trial for removal in the Senate in January.&nbsp;

The president was charged with holding up official military aid to Ukraine in exchange for Kiev helping to smear his expected 2020 election foe, Democrat Joe Biden.

After deciding the complaint had merit, Atkinson, a 55-year-old veteran government attorney, forwarded it to the Justice Department and to Congress, setting off the impeachment investigation.

Atkinson then testified in a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee investigating the allegations, at a time when the White House sought to prevent other administration officials from giving evidence.

Ultimately Trump was voted not guilty by the Republican-controlled Senate in early February.

He then embarked on a campaign to force from office a number of officials in the White House, State Department and Pentagon who cooperated with the probe.&nbsp;

Atkinson, who Trump appointed to his post in 2018, was long understood to be in the president's sights.

"It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general," Trump wrote in the letter to the two top senators on the Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr and Mark Warner.

"This is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general," he said, without explaining why.

Warner, a Democrat, blasted Trump for what he called "ongoing attempts to politicize the nation's intelligence agencies."

"In the midst of a national emergency, it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another an intelligence official simply for doing his job," he wrote.

"The work of the intelligence community has never been about loyalty to a single individual; it's about keeping us all safe from those who wish to do our country harm."

President Donald Trump announced Friday he was firing a senior intelligence official who had a central role in the complaint last August that sparked the impeachment trial of the US leader.

President Donald Trump announced Friday he was firing a senior intelligence official who had a central role in the complaint last August that sparked the impeachment trial of the US leader. In a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trump said he had lost confidence in Michael Atkinson, the independent inspector general of the broad US intelligence community. Atkinson reviewed and transmitted an anonymous whistle-blower's complaint in August that alleged that Trump had sought personal political favours from Ukraine in violation of US law. The complaint became the basis for Trump's impeachment, which saw him put through a historic trial for removal in the Senate in January. The president was charged with holding up official military aid to Ukraine in exchange for Kiev helping to smear his expected 2020 election foe, Democrat Joe Biden. After deciding the complaint had merit, Atkinson, a 55-year-old veteran government attorney, forwarded it to the Justice Department and to Congress, setting off the impeachment investigation. Atkinson then testified in a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee investigating the allegations, at a time when the White House sought to prevent other administration officials from giving evidence. Ultimately Trump was voted not guilty by the Republican-controlled Senate in early February. He then embarked on a campaign to force from office a number of officials in the White House, State Department and Pentagon who cooperated with the probe. Atkinson, who Trump appointed to his post in 2018, was long understood to be in the president's sights. "It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general," Trump wrote in the letter to the two top senators on the Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr and Mark Warner. "This is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general," he said, without explaining why. Warner, a Democrat, blasted Trump for what he called "ongoing attempts to politicize the nation's intelligence agencies." "In the midst of a national emergency, it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another an intelligence official simply for doing his job," he wrote. "The work of the intelligence community has never been about loyalty to a single individual; it's about keeping us all safe from those who wish to do our country harm."

Trump fires intelligence official who had key impeachment role

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial.

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial. "The US-Ukraine relationship is as important now as ever," Republican Senators Ron Johnson and John Barrasso and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in a statement on Wednesday announcing their trip. "The future of Ukraine matters to the United States and we must make sure Ukraine knows that we view them as a strategic ally," they said. Also Read: Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses Johnson and Murphy last met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv on September 5, as his government was dealing with Trump's decision to freeze nearly $400 million (£308.43 million) in security assistance. Murphy told reporters at a news conference in Washington with Johnson on September 10 that Ukrainian officials did not have a full understanding of why the money might be withheld, and that they had brought up the issue in every meeting during their trip. That decision, and Trump's telephone call with the Ukrainian leader to discuss it, became central to an investigation of Trump that led to his impeachment by the Democratic-led House of Representatives late last year. Also See: Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump last week. His defence argued that the money had been withheld because of corruption in Ukraine, not to put pressure on Zelenskiy. Trump insisted his call with Zelenskiy had been "perfect." Democratic impeachment managers contended that Trump withheld the money to put pressure on Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic rival to Trump as he seeks re-election this year, and Biden's son, Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian company. Johnson is chairman, and Barrasso and Murphy are members, of a Senate subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

US Senators plan on visiting Ukraine after Trump impeachment trial

The United States on Friday (February 7) offered $100m aid to China and other countries who are fighting coronavirus. The number of deaths due to China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 722, surpassing the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago.

Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-jumps-to-722-surpasses-toll-from-the-sars-outbreak-279328">Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak</a>

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China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei&nbsp;and its provincial capital, Wuhan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/morning-news-brief-trump-impeachment-coronavirus-death-toll-and-lots-more-278935">Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses</a>

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Two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on charges of trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman -- the top Ukraine expert at the White House's National Security Council -- was escorted out of the building, according to his lawyer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidates-question-sanders-electability-at-new-hampshire-debate-279323">Democratic candidates question Sanders' electability at New Hampshire debate</a>

<img alt="Debate" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d31015dd-6a1a-40ac-b273-c29e3c594e2c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_8.jpg" />

The candidates said Sanders, a self-identified democratic socialist who finished in a dead heat in the first contest in Iowa earlier this week with Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was out of step with everyday Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-live-score-india-win-the-toss-opt-to-bowl-279311">India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Live score</a>

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&nbsp;India won the toss and elected bowl in the second ODI of three match series against New Zealand.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-virus-outbreak-where-is-xi-jinping-279301">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan virus outbreak, where is Xi Jinping?</a>

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Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei and its provincial capital, Wuhan.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei and its provincial capital, Wuhan. Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses Two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on charges of trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman -- the top Ukraine expert at the White House's National Security Council -- was escorted out of the building, according to his lawyer. Democratic candidates question Sanders' electability at New Hampshire debate The candidates said Sanders, a self-identified democratic socialist who finished in a dead heat in the first contest in Iowa earlier this week with Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was out of step with everyday Americans. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Live score India won the toss and elected bowl in the second ODI of three match series against New Zealand. Watch: Gravitas: Wuhan virus outbreak, where is Xi Jinping? ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, 2 impeachment witnesses ousted, and more 

US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday (February 6) unleashed his fury over being charged in the impeachment trial and thanked his family for standing by him through it all. Trump said, 'I've always said they're lousy politicians, but they do two things. They're vicious and mean vicious.'

Donald Trump lashes out at the democrats

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933">US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate</a>

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After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate, where the majority is Republicans, who voted to protect him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship</a>

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The death toll in the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;rose to at least 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-team-india-fined-for-slow-over-rate-for-third-successive-time-278930" hreflang="en">India fined for slow over-rate for third successive time</a>

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The&nbsp;Indian team&nbsp;have been fined 80 per cent of match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first One Day International on Wednesday in Hamilton.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-christian-bale-to-play-villain-in-next-mcu-film-thor-love-and-thunder-278897" hreflang="en">Christian Bale to play villain in next MCU film 'Thor: Love and Thunder'?</a>

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We are excited to see Christian Bale in an MCU film and have been thinking of all possible roles that the brilliant actor can take up.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lanka-drops-tamil-version-of-national-anthem-278924">Gravitas: Sri Lanka drops Tamil version of national anthem</a>

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Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate, where the majority is Republicans, who voted to protect him. Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship The death toll in the coronavirus rose to at least 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients. India fined for slow over-rate for third successive time The Indian team have been fined 80 per cent of match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first One Day International on Wednesday in Hamilton. Christian Bale to play villain in next MCU film 'Thor: Love and Thunder'? We are excited to see Christian Bale in an MCU film and have been thinking of all possible roles that the brilliant actor can take up. WATCH | Gravitas: Sri Lanka drops Tamil version of national anthem ×

Morning News Brief: Trump impeachment, coronavirus death toll rises and lots more

Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-on-the-campaign-trail-democrats-deliver-closing-arguments-with-dogs-comedians-and-planes-278114">On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes</a>

"I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-presidential-elections-2020-which- democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Bernie Sanders</a> holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders.

"I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year.

Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist."

Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist.

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"At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race.

She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders.

The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said.

Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy."

"I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president.

As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little."

"You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire.

"There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?"

Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments.

"The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season. Senator Bernie Sanders holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders. "I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year. Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist." Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist. × "At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race. She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders. The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said. Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy." "I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president. As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little." "You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire. "There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?" Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments. "The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Trump mocks 'communist' Bernie and 'Sleepy Joe' before Iowa

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo <gwmw class="ginger-module-highlighter-mistake-type-1" id="gwmw-15804758481624880179160">emphasised</gwmw> Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-am-legally-required-to-testify-will-be-happy-to-do-it-pompeo-on-trumps-impeachment-275980">impeachment trial of President Donald Trump</a>.

Ukraine was thrust into a domestic political battle in Washington last year as Trump faced allegations he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the son of his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Pompeo has also walked back from comments <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/radio-reporter-says-pompeo-cursed-at-her-after-testy-interview-276466">he was accused</a> of making to a National Public Radio reporter before his trip that appeared to play down Ukraine's importance to Americans.

Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to travel to Ukraine since the impeachment began. His visit comes as Trump's impeachment trial was set for a climactic vote on Friday or Saturday that is likely to acquit the president.

After meeting Zelenskiy, both men played down the fallout from impeachment. "Today I'm here with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leaders-free-to-come-up-with-a-counter-offer-pompeo-277390">a clear message</a>: The United States sees that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, democracy and prosperity is a valiant one. Our commitment to support it will not waver," Pompeo said.

Ukraine counts on Washington for diplomatic support, sanctions on Moscow and military aid to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles and other hardware as it battles Russian-backed fighters in a war that has killed more than 13,000 people.

Trump had frozen nearly $400 million in US security assistance shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy in a July phone call, prompting accusations from Democrats he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-probe-possible-surveillance-of-ukraine-envoy-pompeo-274945">Will probe possible surveillance of Ukraine envoy: Pompeo</a>

Trump's camp has called on Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma.

Impeachment overshadowed the first months of Zelenskiy's presidency, and he has voiced frustration about being constantly asked about it. He has repeatedly denied being pressured by Trump to launch investigations.

"I was wondering when this question would come up. When we speak with the USA, there is always a question about the impeachment of President Trump," Zelenskiy said on Friday when asked whether impeachment had spoiled bilateral ties.

"It seems to me honestly that, on the contrary, there are very good relations between our countries, not just in words. The US supports and defends Ukraine."

Pompeo also denied suggestions that Zelenskiy would only be granted a visit to the White House to meet Trump if Ukraine agreed to announce investigations into Hunter Biden and Burisma.

"No, there's no condition of the nature you described for President Zelenskiy to come to Washington and have that visit," Pompeo said in response to a question. "We'll find the right time. We'll find the appropriate opportunity."

Asked before the trip whether he would raise Burisma or the Bidens with Ukrainian officials, Pompeo had said, "I don't want to talk about particular individuals."

Democrats had hoped to hear from former National Security Adviser John Bolton as a witness in Trump's impeachment trial, but they do not appear to have enough support from Republicans to bring witnesses to the proceedings.

A report, which Bolton has not denied, said Bolton had written in an upcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to freeze military aid to Ukraine until it investigated both Bidens. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kyiv on Friday, as both countries sought to smooth over relations buffeted by the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Ukraine was thrust into a domestic political battle in Washington last year as Trump faced allegations he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate the son of his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. Pompeo has also walked back from comments he was accused of making to a National Public Radio reporter before his trip that appeared to play down Ukraine's importance to Americans. Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to travel to Ukraine since the impeachment began. His visit comes as Trump's impeachment trial was set for a climactic vote on Friday or Saturday that is likely to acquit the president. After meeting Zelenskiy, both men played down the fallout from impeachment. "Today I'm here with a clear message: The United States sees that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, democracy and prosperity is a valiant one. Our commitment to support it will not waver," Pompeo said. Ukraine counts on Washington for diplomatic support, sanctions on Moscow and military aid to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles and other hardware as it battles Russian-backed fighters in a war that has killed more than 13,000 people. Trump had frozen nearly $400 million in US security assistance shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy in a July phone call, prompting accusations from Democrats he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain. Also Read: Will probe possible surveillance of Ukraine envoy: Pompeo Trump's camp has called on Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma. Impeachment overshadowed the first months of Zelenskiy's presidency, and he has voiced frustration about being constantly asked about it. He has repeatedly denied being pressured by Trump to launch investigations. "I was wondering when this question would come up. When we speak with the USA, there is always a question about the impeachment of President Trump," Zelenskiy said on Friday when asked whether impeachment had spoiled bilateral ties. "It seems to me honestly that, on the contrary, there are very good relations between our countries, not just in words. The US supports and defends Ukraine." Pompeo also denied suggestions that Zelenskiy would only be granted a visit to the White House to meet Trump if Ukraine agreed to announce investigations into Hunter Biden and Burisma. "No, there's no condition of the nature you described for President Zelenskiy to come to Washington and have that visit," Pompeo said in response to a question. "We'll find the right time. We'll find the appropriate opportunity." Asked before the trip whether he would raise Burisma or the Bidens with Ukrainian officials, Pompeo had said, "I don't want to talk about particular individuals." Democrats had hoped to hear from former National Security Adviser John Bolton as a witness in Trump's impeachment trial, but they do not appear to have enough support from Republicans to bring witnesses to the proceedings. A report, which Bolton has not denied, said Bolton had written in an upcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to freeze military aid to Ukraine until it investigated both Bidens.

US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial

The US President Donald Trump has formally signed a new trade pact with Mexico and Canada bringing his campaign promise to replace the three countries exiting deal closure to reality.

Deal signed amid Trump's Impeachment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trumps-west-asia-plan-is-the-last-chance-to- bring-peace-says-jared-kushner-trump-277191">Donald Trump</a> and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centres for making fake robocalls</a>

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it may be an "uphill" fight to garner enough Republican support to compel the 71-year-old Bolton -- seen as a potentially damaging witness to the president -- to testify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel</a>

Democrats have been pressing for the Senate to subpoena Bolton, who was fired by Trump in September, after reports that his upcoming White House tell-all book corroborates charges that the president withheld military aid to Ukraine in a bid to seek political dirt on his election rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star- defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Joe Biden</a>.

Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat edge in the Senate and four Republicans would need to side with the Democrats for Bolton and others to be called as witnesses at Trump's trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

"We've always known it will be an uphill fight," Schumer said of getting Bolton to testify.

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"Is it more likely than not?" the Democratic senator from New York asked. "Probably, no. But is it a decent, good chance? Yes."

Trump called on Republicans to reject a push for witnesses when the issue comes up for a vote on Friday and blasted Bolton.

"Remember Republicans, the Democrats already had 17 witnesses, we were given NONE!" he wrote on Twitter. "Don't let the Dems play you!"

Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming came out firmly against calling witnesses, echoing the views of the vast majority of his Republican colleagues.

"America has heard enough," Barrasso said. "A majority of Americans are saying this is a waste of time because they know the president is not going to be removed."

Opinion polls on whether Trump should be removed are actually pretty evenly divided but a two-thirds majority -- 67 senators -- is needed to convict the president and the Republicans' 53-47 majority virtually assures Trump will be acquitted.

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- 'Don't wait for the book'- 
The fight over Bolton intensified as the senators who hold the president's fate in their hands began directly questioning Democratic prosecutors and White House lawyers.

The 100 members of the Senate have 16 hours over the next two days to submit written questions, which are being read aloud by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over just the third impeachment trial of a president in US history.

Asked whether Bolton should appear, chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff said his testimony was "plainly relevant" and essential to conducting a "fair trial."

"Don't wait for the book," the California lawmaker told the senators sitting as trial jurors. "This case is overwhelmingly clear without John Bolton but if you have any question about it you can erase all doubt."

White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin countered that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had conducted their inquiry in a "half-baked partisan fashion" and had not issued their own subpoena for Bolton's testimony.

Having Bolton testify would present "grave security issues," Philbin said.

"He has all of the nation's secrets from the time he was national security advisor," he said.

The White House would seek to prevent his testimony by citing executive privilege and the matter would end up in the courts. "This institution will be effectively paralyzed for months on end," he said.

- 'World War Six' - 
Schiff pushed back against White House arguments that the Senate should let American voters decide Trump's fate in November's presidential election.

"If you say you can't hold a president accountable in an election year where they are trying to cheat in that election then you are giving them carte blanche," he said.

In his book, Bolton reportedly writes that the president told him in August that a freeze in military aid to Ukraine was directly linked to his demand that Kiev investigate Biden, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Trump lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, saying he had shown poor judgment in a job he had begged for and that he hired the veteran diplomat and prominent "hawk" against the advice of others.

"Frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now," Trump said. "(He) goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty &amp; untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this?"

The National Security Council said meanwhile that a preliminary review of the manuscript of Bolton's book had found that it contained "significant amounts of classified information" and cannot be published in its current form.

"Some of this information is at the TOP SECRET level," the NSC said in a letter to Bolton's lawyer, adding that "the manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information."

Before the explosive revelations about what Bolton knew, the White House had assumed the trial could be wrapped up with no witnesses and an acquittal by this weekend, just in time for Trump's annual "State of the Union" address before Congress on Tuesday, February 4.&nbsp;

Donald Trump and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets.

Donald Trump and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets. Also read: Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centres for making fake robocalls Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it may be an "uphill" fight to garner enough Republican support to compel the 71-year-old Bolton -- seen as a potentially damaging witness to the president -- to testify. Also read: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel Democrats have been pressing for the Senate to subpoena Bolton, who was fired by Trump in September, after reports that his upcoming White House tell-all book corroborates charges that the president withheld military aid to Ukraine in a bid to seek political dirt on his election rival Joe Biden. Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat edge in the Senate and four Republicans would need to side with the Democrats for Bolton and others to be called as witnesses at Trump's trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. "We've always known it will be an uphill fight," Schumer said of getting Bolton to testify. × "Is it more likely than not?" the Democratic senator from New York asked. "Probably, no. But is it a decent, good chance? Yes." Trump called on Republicans to reject a push for witnesses when the issue comes up for a vote on Friday and blasted Bolton. "Remember Republicans, the Democrats already had 17 witnesses, we were given NONE!" he wrote on Twitter. "Don't let the Dems play you!" Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming came out firmly against calling witnesses, echoing the views of the vast majority of his Republican colleagues. "America has heard enough," Barrasso said. "A majority of Americans are saying this is a waste of time because they know the president is not going to be removed." Opinion polls on whether Trump should be removed are actually pretty evenly divided but a two-thirds majority -- 67 senators -- is needed to convict the president and the Republicans' 53-47 majority virtually assures Trump will be acquitted. × - 'Don't wait for the book'- The fight over Bolton intensified as the senators who hold the president's fate in their hands began directly questioning Democratic prosecutors and White House lawyers. The 100 members of the Senate have 16 hours over the next two days to submit written questions, which are being read aloud by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over just the third impeachment trial of a president in US history. Asked whether Bolton should appear, chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff said his testimony was "plainly relevant" and essential to conducting a "fair trial." "Don't wait for the book," the California lawmaker told the senators sitting as trial jurors. "This case is overwhelmingly clear without John Bolton but if you have any question about it you can erase all doubt." White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin countered that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, which impeached Trump on December 18, had conducted their inquiry in a "half-baked partisan fashion" and had not issued their own subpoena for Bolton's testimony. Having Bolton testify would present "grave security issues," Philbin said. "He has all of the nation's secrets from the time he was national security advisor," he said. The White House would seek to prevent his testimony by citing executive privilege and the matter would end up in the courts. "This institution will be effectively paralyzed for months on end," he said. - 'World War Six' - Schiff pushed back against White House arguments that the Senate should let American voters decide Trump's fate in November's presidential election. "If you say you can't hold a president accountable in an election year where they are trying to cheat in that election then you are giving them carte blanche," he said. In his book, Bolton reportedly writes that the president told him in August that a freeze in military aid to Ukraine was directly linked to his demand that Kiev investigate Biden, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, saying he had shown poor judgment in a job he had begged for and that he hired the veteran diplomat and prominent "hawk" against the advice of others. "Frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now," Trump said. "(He) goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this?" The National Security Council said meanwhile that a preliminary review of the manuscript of Bolton's book had found that it contained "significant amounts of classified information" and cannot be published in its current form. "Some of this information is at the TOP SECRET level," the NSC said in a letter to Bolton's lawyer, adding that "the manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information." Before the explosive revelations about what Bolton knew, the White House had assumed the trial could be wrapped up with no witnesses and an acquittal by this weekend, just in time for Trump's annual "State of the Union" address before Congress on Tuesday, February 4.

Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">Read more</a>

Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade due to China's viral outbreak

On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to China were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Read more</a>

Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35

31 killed, 1,600 injured; earthquake followed by more than 700 aftershocks, as per data from Disaster and Emergency Authority of Turkey. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-pulled-from-rubble-as-turkey-quake-toll-hits-35-276666">Read more</a>

Beijing to postpone reopening of city's kindergartens, schools, universities: Report

The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, the report added quoting CNR. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-to-postpone-reopening-of-citys-kindergartens-schools-universities-report-276635">Read more</a>

Erdogan states that Haftar cannot be expected to respect Libya truce

Eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar is violating Libya's truce and so cannot be expected to respect the ceasefire called between his forces and pro-government troops, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">Read more</a>

China warns that the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger

Virus with an infection rate of 2,000 people and a global kill count of 56 traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-that-the-ability-of-the-virus-to-spread-is-getting-stronger-276630">Read more</a>

Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

"One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is that even within the EU they have different views," he added. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-uk-trade-deal-with-us-optimistic-mnuchin-276612">Read more</a>

Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw

Clashes erupted later in the day as authorities removed concrete barriers near Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where demonstrators have camped out for months. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-raid-protest-camps-after-sadr-supporters-withdraw-276610">Read more</a>

Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: Report

"Get rid of her!" Trump says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide at the dining table. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine-ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Read more</a>

Federer roars into record 15th Australian Open quarter-final

The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-roars-into-record-15th-australian-open-quarter-final-276690">Read more</a>

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted.

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted. Read more Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade due to China's viral outbreak On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to China were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. Read more Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35 31 killed, 1,600 injured; earthquake followed by more than 700 aftershocks, as per data from Disaster and Emergency Authority of Turkey. Read more Beijing to postpone reopening of city's kindergartens, schools, universities: Report The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, the report added quoting CNR. Read more Erdogan states that Haftar cannot be expected to respect Libya truce Eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar is violating Libya's truce and so cannot be expected to respect the ceasefire called between his forces and pro-government troops, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. Read more China warns that the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger Virus with an infection rate of 2,000 people and a global kill count of 56 traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife. Read more Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin "One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is that even within the EU they have different views," he added. Read more Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw Clashes erupted later in the day as authorities removed concrete barriers near Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where demonstrators have camped out for months. Read more Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: Report "Get rid of her!" Trump says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide at the dining table. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it." Read more Federer roars into record 15th Australian Open quarter-final The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak in China, Federer enters Australian Open quarter-finals and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-virus-death-toll-passes-100-as-us-canada- issue-travel-warning-276958">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence. The President's lawyers have argued that he never leveraged aid to Ukraine to acquire damaging information against Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">Also read: US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits</a>

But from a leaked page of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons -new-book-276814">John Bolton</a>'s upcoming book, it seems the president told his top aide that aid to Ukraine will be withheld. This has increased pressure on Republican senators to give in to the demand for new witnesses, especially since Bolton had expressed his desire to testify, given how the Democrats need only 4 Republicans to join them for a bipartisan majority. Republican senators Mitt Romney and Susan Collins said the leaked excerpts highlight the necessity of witness testimony from individuals such as John Bolton.

Trump's team largely avoided the Bolton issue on the floor of the Senate, stating that there was nothing new in the former NSA's leaked accounts. The possibility of Trump's team trying to prevent Bolton from testifying and also discrediting his public comments is plausible. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani was called a 'human hand grenade' in the Ukraine scandal by former National Security Advisor John Bolton.&nbsp;

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These claims were dismissed by Jane Raskin, Donald Trump's impeachment attorney who called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine- ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Giuliani</a> a "colourful distraction, a household name, a legendary federal prosecutor who took down the mafia, corrupt public officials, wall street racketeers. Crime busting mayor, who cleaned up new york and turned it around. A national hero. America's mayor after 9/11. And after that, an internationally recognized expert on fighting corruption."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../white-house-lawyers-say-voters-should-decide- trumps-fate-276578">Joe Biden</a>'s son, Hunter Biden also received a lot of hostility from the President's team, who said that Hunter's decision to join a Ukraine-based company had raised many eyebrows. Pam Bondi, an attorney on Trump's legal team said that "Hunter Biden's decision to join Burma raised flags almost immediately. One article from may 2014 stated the appointment of Joe Biden's son to the board of Ukrainian gas firm Burisma has raised eyebrows the world over. Even an outlet with a bias for Democrats pointed out Hunter Biden's activities created a conflict of interest for Joe Biden. The article stated the move raises questions about a potential conflict of interest for Joe Biden."&nbsp;

But this leak could not have come at a better time for the Democrats, as it helps them to push their case for including new testimonies in the trial. So far the Senate Republicans have rejected this orthodox approach along partisan lines. "I certainly hope so. There seems to be a real shift in where the Republican senators are, and I think it's very hard for them to maintain that they wanted a fair trial. Wanted to know all the facts when there's a witness who said, I'm ready, I've got something to say. We have an outline of what he has to say. It's really hard to say we're not going to hear that," said Adam Schiff, lead House Impeachment Manager.

Donald Trump's impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence.

Donald Trump's impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence. The President's lawyers have argued that he never leveraged aid to Ukraine to acquire damaging information against Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Also read: US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits But from a leaked page of John Bolton's upcoming book, it seems the president told his top aide that aid to Ukraine will be withheld. This has increased pressure on Republican senators to give in to the demand for new witnesses, especially since Bolton had expressed his desire to testify, given how the Democrats need only 4 Republicans to join them for a bipartisan majority. Republican senators Mitt Romney and Susan Collins said the leaked excerpts highlight the necessity of witness testimony from individuals such as John Bolton. Trump's team largely avoided the Bolton issue on the floor of the Senate, stating that there was nothing new in the former NSA's leaked accounts. The possibility of Trump's team trying to prevent Bolton from testifying and also discrediting his public comments is plausible. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani was called a 'human hand grenade' in the Ukraine scandal by former National Security Advisor John Bolton. × These claims were dismissed by Jane Raskin, Donald Trump's impeachment attorney who called Giuliani a "colourful distraction, a household name, a legendary federal prosecutor who took down the mafia, corrupt public officials, wall street racketeers. Crime busting mayor, who cleaned up new york and turned it around. A national hero. America's mayor after 9/11. And after that, an internationally recognized expert on fighting corruption." Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden also received a lot of hostility from the President's team, who said that Hunter's decision to join a Ukraine-based company had raised many eyebrows. Pam Bondi, an attorney on Trump's legal team said that "Hunter Biden's decision to join Burma raised flags almost immediately. One article from may 2014 stated the appointment of Joe Biden's son to the board of Ukrainian gas firm Burisma has raised eyebrows the world over. Even an outlet with a bias for Democrats pointed out Hunter Biden's activities created a conflict of interest for Joe Biden. The article stated the move raises questions about a potential conflict of interest for Joe Biden." But this leak could not have come at a better time for the Democrats, as it helps them to push their case for including new testimonies in the trial. So far the Senate Republicans have rejected this orthodox approach along partisan lines. "I certainly hope so. There seems to be a real shift in where the Republican senators are, and I think it's very hard for them to maintain that they wanted a fair trial. Wanted to know all the facts when there's a witness who said, I'm ready, I've got something to say. We have an outline of what he has to say. It's really hard to say we're not going to hear that," said Adam Schiff, lead House Impeachment Manager.

Impeachment trial of Donald Trump: All-Star Defence team scared of going near Bolton

Donald Trump demanded the dismissal of Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador to Ukraine and a key figure in the president's impeachment trial, according to a video recording released to US media on Saturday.

Donald Trump demanded the dismissal of Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador to Ukraine and a key figure in the president's impeachment trial, according to a video recording released to US media on Saturday. The footage was reportedly taken during an April 2018 donor dinner at a hotel and released to news outlets by an attorney for Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani. Parnas and his business partner Igor Fruman are key players in Trump's alleged campaign to pressure the government of Ukraine to dig up dirt on Joe Biden, a potential election opponent for the president. The issue is central to Trump's ongoing impeachment trial in the US Senate. His order to fire the ambassador came after Parnas told him that Yovanovich was an impediment, and claiming that she had privately disparaged the President. Also Read: Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case [Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch (Courtesy: AFP) ] "Get rid of her!" Trump says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide at the dining table. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it." Images taken at an awkward angle appear at the start of the one hour, 23-minute-long video. The rest of the recording shows a tan background as if the camera were covered, but Trump's distinctive voice is clear. In a TV interview with MSNBC News last week, Parnas said Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with his and Fruman's efforts to pressure Ukrainian authorities to investigate Biden. His appearance came after Democrats released documents that showed Giuliani worked with Parnas to pressure Kyiv to investigate Biden. Both Parnas and Fruman were charged with violating US campaign finance laws in October. The documents also showed the pair, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out Yovanovitch, a respected career diplomat who Trump eventually removed in May 2019. Saturday's recording corroborates much of what Parnas said in his TV interview, including that he knew Trump - something the president has denied. More recordings In October Yovanovitch testified to Congress that she was recalled due to "unfounded and false claims by people with clearly questionable motives." Joseph Bondy, an attorney for Parnas, said that he submitted the evidence to investigators in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. He also told CNN that Parnas has more recordings and photographs that may be released to the public. The release of the tape increases pressure on US senators to subpoena witnesses for the impeachment trial, a move several polls show has strong support among the US public. White House lawyers began Trump's defence in the impeachment trial on Saturday. They have argued that the president did nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and that US voters - not Congress - should decide his fate. Trump's lawyers will resume his defence on Monday.

Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: report

White House lawyers began their defense of Donald Trump at his historic Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, saying the president did nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and American voters -- not Congress -- should decide his fate.

White House lawyers began their defense of Donald Trump at his historic Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, saying the president did nothing wrong in his dealings with Ukraine and American voters -- not Congress -- should decide his fate. White House counsel Pat Cipollone said it would be a "completely irresponsible abuse of power" if the Senate follows the lead of the House of Representatives and votes to remove the 45th US president from office. "They're asking you to do something that no Senate has ever done," Cipollone told the 100 senators gathered on a rainy Saturday morning for a rare weekend session at just the third impeachment trial in US history. × Democratic prosecutors from the House, which impeached Trump last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, had not convincingly made their case that the president had committed "high crimes and misdemeanors," as demanded by the Constitution, Cipollone said. "We don't believe that they have come anywhere close to meeting their burden for what they're asking you to do," he told a hushed Senate chamber. "We believe when you hear the facts... you will find that the president did absolutely nothing wrong." House prosecutors spent the previous three days laying out a detailed case that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart to open an investigation into political rival Joe Biden and the former vice president's son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. Adam Schiff, the chief House prosecutor, said the real estate tycoon turned politician poses an "imminent threat" to American democracy and his guiding principle is "Trump first, not America first." Cipollone argued that Democrats were asking the Senate to "tear up all of the ballots" from the 2016 presidential election and attempting to prevent Trump from running for re-election in November. "They are here to perpetrate the most massive interference in an election in American history and we can't allow that to happen," the White House counsel said. "Let the people decide for themselves."

White House lawyers say voters should decide Trump's fate

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